Former Va. Gov. Wilder: Mandela 'a moral giant'

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - The nation's first elected black governor says the world lost "a moral giant" and he lost a friend with the death of Nelson Mandela.

Former Virginia Gov. Doug Wilder met several times with Mandela over the years. He says Mandela was always grateful that in 1990, Wilder made Virginia the first state to impose economic sanctions on South Africa because of apartheid. Other states followed.

Said Wilder: "He was a moral giant and as never forgetful of his friends."

In an interview with The Associated Press, Wilder also said Mandela's "quiet dignity sustained many people during his imprisonment and served as a beacon light to many others when he got out."

Mandela, who later became South Africa's first black president, died Thursday at age 95.